Mixed allergen compositions and methods for using the same

ABSTRACT

Mixed allergen compositions of two or more different allergens are provided. In some instances, the mixed allergen compositions include: a nut allergen; an animal allergen; and at least one of: a non-nut plant allergen; a biotic agent; and a vitamin. Also provided are methods of administering the mixed allergen compositions to a subject. The mixed allergen compositions find use in a variety of applications, including health maintenance, immune balance, gut balance, immune support, health improvement and therapeutic applications.

CROSS-REFERENCE

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e), this application claims priority to thefiling date of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/119,014, filed Feb. 20, 2015; the disclosure of which is hereinincorporated by reference.

INTRODUCTION

Allergy is a disorder of the immune system and is characterized by theoccurrence of allergic reactions to normally harmless environmentalsubstances. Allergies are caused by allergens, which may be present in awide variety of sources, including but not limited to pollens or otherplant components, dust, molds or fungi, foods, additives, latex,transfusion reactions, animal or bird danders, insect venoms,radiocontrast medium, medications or chemicals. Common allergicreactions include eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma, and reactions tovenoms. Mild allergies like hay fever are highly prevalent in the humanpopulation and cause symptoms such as allergic conjunctivitis,itchiness, and runny nose. In some people, severe allergies toenvironmental or dietary allergens or to medication may result inlife-threatening anaphylactic reactions and potentially death, if leftuntreated. Allergic reactions can occur in three distinct patterns: a)an early phase reaction or acute response, b) late phase reactions andc) potentially chronic allergic inflammation. The early phase of theallergic reaction typically occurs within minutes, or even seconds,following a first allergen exposure, where this early phase is alsocommonly referred to as the immediate allergic reaction. In the earlystages of allergy, a hypersensitivity reaction against an allergen,encountered for the first time, causes a response in Th2 cells, whichare a subset of T cells that produce the cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4).The Th2 cells interact with B cells (lymphocytes that produce antibodiesagainst antigens) and, coupled with the effects of IL-4, stimulate the Bcells to begin production and secretion of Immunoglobulin E (IgE).

IgE plays an important role in allergies and allergic reactions. Uponintroduction of an allergen, B cells of the respective subject producelarge amounts of IgE. The IgE elicits an immune response by binding ontoreceptors found on basophils and mast cells. When activated, these cellsrelease chemical mediators such as histamine and cytokines that causethe characteristic symptoms of allergy.

A food allergy is an adverse immune response to a food allergen, e.g., afood protein. Common food allergens are found in shellfish, peanuts,tree nuts, fish, milk, eggs, soy and fresh fruits such as strawberries,mango, banana, and apple. Immunoglobulin-E (IgE)-mediated food allergiesare classified as type-I immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Theseallergic reactions have an acute onset (from seconds to one hour) andthe accompanying symptoms may include angioedema (soft tissue swellingof the eyelids, face, lips, tongue, larynx and trachea); hives; itchingof the mouth, throat, eyes, skin; gastrointestinal symptoms such asnausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or abdominal pain;rhinorrhea or nasal congestion; wheezing, shortness of breath, ordifficulty swallowing; and even anaphylaxis, a severe, whole-bodyallergic reaction that can result in death. Gupta, et al (PEDIATRICSVol. 128 No. 1 Jul. 1, 2011 pp. e9-e17) demonstrated that 1 out of 12children under the age of 21 years of age have a doctor's diagnosis offood allergies. This epidemic has been reported to be doubling every 10years for certain nuts (CDC 2009). Moreover, there are still deaths thatoccur every year due fatal food allergies. Importantly, over $24 billionis spent per year on health care/care costs for food allergic reactions(Gupta, et al. JAMA PEDIATRICS November 2013, Vol. 167, No. 11). Thiscost is largely due to about 90,000 visits to the ER per year in theU.S. due to food induced anaphylactic symptoms.

SUMMARY

Mixed allergen compositions of two or more different allergens areprovided. In some instances, the mixed allergen compositions include: anut allergen; an animal allergen; and at least one of: a non-nut plantallergen; a biotic agent; and a vitamin. Also provided are methods ofadministering the mixed allergen compositions to a subject. The mixedallergen compositions find use in a variety of applications, includinghealth maintenance, immune balance, gut balance, immune support, healthimprovement and therapeutic applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1: Th2 cell proliferation in ex vivo blood samples from subjectsfed different food allergen mixtures (units are cells/mL). (It is notedthat with respect to each of FIGS. 1 to 6, for each group of bars on thegraphs the order of test compositions from left to right corresponds tothe order of test compositions listed in the column at the right of thefigure from top to bottom. As such, in FIG. 1, 4-6 months group, thebars from left to right are the data for each of the compositions testedfrom top to bottom in the column at the right hand side of the figurethat lists the test compositions)

FIG. 2: Specific IgG4 levels in plasma from subjects fed different foodallergen mixtures (units are mg IgG4/L).

FIG. 3. Specific IgE levels in plasma from subjects fed different foodallergen mixtures (units are mg IgE/L).

FIG. 4: Th2 cell proliferation in ex vivo blood samples from subjectsfed different food allergen mixtures (units are cells/mL).

FIG. 5: Specific IgG4 levels in plasma from subjects fed different foodallergen mixtures (units are mg IgG4/L).

FIG. 6: Specific IgE levels in plasma from subjects fed the foodallergen mixtures (units are mg IgE/L).

FIG. 7: T cell proliferation in response to gluten, insulin, tetanus andbacterial flagellin in ex vivo blood samples from subjects fed differentfood allergen mixtures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Mixed allergen compositions of two or more different allergens areprovided. In some instances, the mixed allergen compositions include: anut allergen; an animal allergen; and at least one of: a non-nut plantallergen; a biotic agent; and a vitamin. Also provided are methods ofadministering the mixed allergen compositions to a subject. The mixedallergen compositions find use in a variety of applications, includinghealth maintenance, immune balance, gut balance, immune support, healthimprovement and therapeutic applications.

Before the present methods and compositions are described, it is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to a particular method orcomposition described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited onlyby the appended claims.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lowerlimits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller rangebetween any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and anyother stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassedwithin the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller rangesmay independently be included or excluded in the range, and each rangewhere either, neither or both limits are included in the smaller rangesis also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specificallyexcluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes oneor both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those includedlimits are also included in the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of the present invention, some potential andpreferred methods and materials are now described. All publicationsmentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose anddescribe the methods and/or materials in connection with which thepublications are cited. It is understood that the present disclosuresupersedes any disclosure of an incorporated publication to the extentthere is a contradiction.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading thisdisclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustratedherein has discrete components and features which may be readilyseparated from or combined with the features of any of the other severalembodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the presentinvention. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of eventsrecited or in any other order which is logically possible.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “acell” includes a plurality of such cells and reference to “the peptide”includes reference to one or more peptides and equivalents thereof,e.g., polypeptides, known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for theirdisclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothingherein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention isnot entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention.Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from theactual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

Mixed Allergen Compositions

As summarized above, aspects of the invention include mixed allergencompositions. By mixed allergen composition is meant a composition thatincludes two or more different allergens, where any two given allergensare different if they are distinct from each other, e.g., they arecompounds described by different chemical formula or compositionsdescribed by different components (e.g., constituent compounds) and/oramounts thereof. The number of different allergens in a composition mayvary, as desired. In certain embodiments, the mixed allergencompositions include 2 more different allergens, such as 3 or moredifferent allergens, 4 or more different allergens, 5 or more differentallergens, 6 or more different allergens, 7 or more different allergens,8 or more different allergens, 9 or more different allergens, 10 or moredifferent allergens, 15 or more different allergens, 20 or moredifferent allergens, 25 or more different allergens, 30 or moredifferent allergens, 40 or more different allergens, 50 or moredifferent allergens, 75 or more different allergens, 100 or moredifferent allergens, where in some instances the number of differentallergens in a given composition is 100 or less, such as 75 or less,including 50 or less, e.g., 25 or less, 15 or less, including 10 orless.

Allergens present in the composition may vary, where in some instancesthe allergen present in the composition is one that induces an allergyin a susceptible subject. Allergens include any antigen, or activederivative thereof, that elicits a specific IgE response. Antigensinclude any substance that can stimulate the production of antibodiesand can combine specifically with them. Antigenic determinants orepitopes are antigenic sites on a molecule. Allergens may have little orno intrinsic toxicity by themselves, but cause a pathological conditiondue to their ability to elicit an IgE-associated immune response, and,upon subsequent exposure, due to their ability to elicit IgE- and/or Tcell-dependent hypersensitivity reactions. As such, an “allergen”includes any substance which is capable of stimulating a typicalhypersensitivity reaction in atopic subjects. Allergens that may bepresent in a given mixed allergen composition include any substancefound in a variety of different sources, such as but not limited to:foods, drugs, perfume, plants, the environment or biological systems(e.g., prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells or viruses), as well as chemicalallergens.

Allergens of interest include nut allergens. Nut allergens are allergensthat include one or more compounds found in nuts, e.g., dry fruits thatinclude an edible kernel or meat enclosed in a woody or leathery shell.Nut allergens of interest include, but are not limited to: peanutallergens, e.g., rAra h 1, rAra h 2, rAra h 3, rAra h 8 PR-10, rAra h 9LTP, peanut complete allergen (the phrase “complete allergen” as usedherein refers to all possible antigenic components of a given foodprotein), etc.; brazil nut allergens, e.g., rBer e 1, brazil nutcomplete allergen, etc., hazelnut or filbert allergens, e.g., rCor a 1PR-10, rCor a 8 LTP, hazel nut complete allergen, nCor a 9, rCor a 14,etc.; walnut allergens, e.g., rJug r 1, rJug r 3 LTP, walnut completeallergen, etc.; cashew allergens; pistachio allergens, e.g., pistachiocomponent allergens, pistachio complete allergen, etc.; pecan allergens,e.g., pecan component allergens, pecan complete allergen, etc.; tree nutcomponent package allergens, such as one or more allergens from cashewnut, walnut, hazelnut, brazil nut; etc.

Allergens of interest include animal allergens. Animal allergens areallergens that include one or more compounds found in animals, includingboth vertebrates and invertebrates. Vertebrate animal allergens that maybe present in mixed allergen compositions include avian allergens, suchas egg allergens, e.g., nGal d 1 Ovomucoid, n Gal d 2 Ovalbumin, nGal d3 Conalbumin, egg white complete allergen, etc.; mammalian allergens,such as milk allergens, e.g., nBos d 4 alpha-lactalbumin, nBos d 5beta-lactoglobulin, nBos d 8 Casein, nBos d Lactoferrin, milk completeallergen, etc., fish allergens, e.g., e.g., rCyp c 1, rGad c 1, codcomplete allergen, white fish allergens, pink fish allergens, etc.Invertebrate animal allergens that may be present in mixed allergencompositions include: crustacean allergens, such as shrimp allergens,e.g., rPen a 1 tropomyosin, shrimp complete allergen, etc.; insectallergens, e.g., bee sting venom allergen, wasp sting venom allergen,mosquito bite allergen, etc.; and the like.

Allergens of interest include non-nut plant allergens, i.e., plantallergens that are not nut allergens. Plant allergens are allergens thatinclude one or more compounds found in plants. Plant allergens ofinterest include: wheat allergens, e.g., rTri a 19 Omega-5 Gliadin,wheat complete allergen, gliadin wheat, rTri a 14 LTP, etc.; kiwiallergens, e.g., rAct d 8 PR-10, kiwi complete allergen, etc.; celeryallergens, e.g., rApi g 1.01 PR-10, rPhl p 12, celery complete allergen,CCD MUXF3 from Bromelain, etc.; soy allergens, e.g., rGly m 4 PR-10, soycomplete allergen, nGly m 5 Beta-conglycinin, nGly m 6 Glycinin, etc.;stone fruit allergens, e.g., f419, f420, f421, f95, f242, 0214 rPru p 1PR-10, rPru p 3 LTP, stone fruit primary complete allergen, CCD MUXF3from Bromelain, etc.; oat allergens, e.g., oat component allergens, oatcomplete allergen, etc.; sesame allergens, e.g., sesame seed componentallergens, sesame see complete allergen, etc.

Additional types of allergens that may be present in mixed allergencompositions include, but are not limited to: non-food animal allergens,e.g., cats or dog fur and dander, cockroach calyx, dust mite excretion,etc.; drug allergens, e.g., e.g., penicillin, sulfonamides, salicylates,local anesthetics; mold spore allergens, latex allergens; metalallergens; plant pollen allergens, e.g., e.g. grass—ryegrass,timothy-grass, weeds—ragweed, plantago, nettle, Artemisia, vulgaris,chenopodium album, sorrel, trees—birch alder, hazel, hornbeam, aesculus,willow, poplar, platanus, tilia, olea; etc.

The amount of a given allergen in a mixed allergen composition may vary,as desired. In some instances, the amount of a given allergen rangesfrom 5 to 15,000 mg, such as 10 to 10,000 mg, including 15 to 5,000 mg.The weight percentage of a given allergen in a mixed allergencomposition may vary, ranging in some instances from 15 to 99.9 wt. %,such as 25 to 65 wt. %. A mixed allergen composition may be a unitdosage composition, by which is meant that it is present in acomposition that is configured to be administered to a subject as asingle dose, which single dose may or may not be part of a dosingschedule made up of two or more unit dosages that are administered to asubject over a given a period of time. While the mass of a given unitdosage may vary, in some instances unit dosages have a mass ranging from300 mg to 20 grams, such as 300 mg, 400 mg, 500 mg, 600 mg, 700 mg, 800mg, 900 mg, 1000 mg (1 g), 1.5 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, 5 g, 10 g, 15 g, 20 g,and anywhere in between. In certain embodiments, any two of the mixedallergens are present in equal parts, e.g., in a 1:1 ratio, such thateach allergen is present in the composition in equal weight. In suchembodiments where the mixed allergen composition includes threedifferent allergens, the three different allergens are present in a1:1:1 ratio. For example, a mixed allergen composition may include thefollowing allergens in equal parts (e.g., 1:1:1 etc. ratio): walnut,hazelnut, shrimp, salmon, hen's egg, cow's milk, peanut, cashew, almond,and wheat (e.g., about 30 mg of protein each; about 90 mg of eachprotein; or about 300 mg of each protein).

In some embodiments, the mixed allergen compositions include a nutallergen and an animal allergen; and at least one of: a non-nut plantallergen; a biotic agent; and a vitamin. As such, in some embodiments,the mixed allergen compositions include a nut allergen, an animalallergen and a non-nut plant allergen. In such embodiments, the mixedallergen compositions may further include a biotic agent or vitamin orboth a biotic agent and a vitamin. In some embodiments, the mixedallergen compositions include a nut allergen an animal allergen, andfurther include a biotic agent. In such embodiments, the mixed allergencompositions may further include a vitamin. In some embodiments, themixed allergen compositions include a nut allergen an animal allergen,and further include a vitamin. In such embodiments, the mixed allergencompositions may further include a biotic agent.

Biotic agents may vary, and include both probiotics and prebiotics. Aprobiotic is generally a live eukaryotic or a prokaryotic organism whichhas a beneficial property when given to a subject. In one aspect, theprobiotic complements the existing microflora in the subject. Hence, theprobiotic agent is a live microorganism which can confer a healthbenefit to a host subject. The probiotic agent may be a culture ofmicroorganisms or provided in a dietary supplement or may be freezedried and reconstituted prior to use. A prebiotic is an agent thatfacilitates or confers growth, maintenance and/or beneficial propertiesof or on the subject's microflora. A prebiotic may include anoligosaccharide and soluble or insoluble fiber material. Examples ofprobiotic agents include, but are not limited to, species ofLactobacillus spp., Escherichia spp., Bacillus spp., Bifidobacteriumspp., Saccharomyces spp. and Streptococcus spp. Specific probioticagents that may be present in the mixed allergen compositions include:Lactobacillus spp., such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacilluscasei, Lactobacillus casei Shirota, Lactobacillus casei immunitass,Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum,Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (lactobacillus GG),Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus helvetirus. The probioticmicroorganisms may be naturally occurring, attenuated or geneticallymodified to introduce new or to alter existing traits. In oneembodiment, the probiotic has been genetically modified to introduce anallergen gene or part or fragment or portion thereof which is expressedto produce recombinant microorganisms which release or expose thesubject's immune system to the allergen or an antigenic fragmentthereof. Hence, the probiotic and allergen may be combined into a singlecomponent of the mixed allergen composition. When present, the amount ofthe biotic agent in the mixed allergen composition may vary. In someinstances, the biotic agent is present in an amount ranging from 1.5 to99.9 wt. %, such as 10 to 25 wt. %.

The mixed allergen compositions may include one or more vitamins, asdesired. Vitamins that may be present in the compositions include, butare not limited to: vitamin A, e.g., in an amount ranging from 1 to35,000 IU; vitamin C, e.g., in an amount ranging from 1 and about 1,000mg; vitamin D, e.g., in an amount ranging from 1 and 4,000 IU; vitaminE, e.g., in an amount ranging from 1 to 450 IU; vitamin K, e.g., in anamount ranging from 1 to 250 mcg; vitamin B-1 (thiamin), e.g., in amountranging from 1 to 15 mg; vitamin B-2 (riboflavin), e.g., in an amountranging from 1 to 17 mg; vitamin B-3 (niacin), e.g., in an amountranging from 1 to 200 mg; vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid), e.g., in anamount ranging from 1 to 100 mg; vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), e.g., in anamount ranging from 1 to 30 mg; vitamin B-9 (folic acid), e.g., in anamount ranging from 1 to 4,000 mcg; vitamin B-12 (cobalamin), e.g., inan amount ranging from 1 to 250 mcg; vitamin H (biotin), e.g., in anamount ranging from 1 to 1,000 mcg of vitamin H (biotin); etc.; andcombinations thereof.

The mixed allergen compositions of the invention may be present indifferent configurations. In some instances the mixed allergencomposition is present in a solid configuration, e.g., as a powder. Whenpresent as a powder, the dimensions of the particles making up thepowder may vary, ranging in some instances from 0.1 to 1000 microns,such as 1 to 500 microns.

Also provided are physiological acceptable compositions that include themixed allergen compositions and a physiologically acceptable deliveryvehicle. The mixed allergen compositions can be incorporated into avariety of formulations for administration to a subject. Moreparticularly, the mixed allergen compositions can be formulated intophysiological acceptable compositions by combination with appropriate,physiologically acceptable carriers or diluents, and may be formulatedinto preparations in solid, semi-solid, liquid or gaseous forms, such astablets, capsules, powders, granules, ointments, solutions,suppositories, injections, inhalants and aerosols and topicalcompositions. The formulations may be designed for administration via anumber of different routes, including oral, buccal, sublingual, rectal,parenteral, intraperitoneal, intradermal, transdermal, intracheal, etc.,administration.

The physiological compositions may be in a form suitable for oral use,for example, as foods, tablets, troches, lozenges, aqueous or oilysuspensions, dispersible powders or granules, emulsions, hard or softcapsules, or syrups or elixirs, gums, etc. Compositions intended fororal use may be prepared according to any convenient protocol for themanufacture of pharmaceutical compositions and such compositions maycontain one or more agents selected from the group consisting ofsweetening agents, flavoring agents, coloring agents and preservingagents in order to provide palatable preparations.

Food formulations of interest include the mixed allergen composition incombination with a food delivery vehicle. By food delivery vehicle ismeant a delivery vehicle that is a nourishing substance that is eaten,drunk, or otherwise taken into the body to sustain life, provide energy,promote growth, etc. Examples of food delivery vehicles of interestinclude, but are not limited to: baby formula, baby food, chips,cookies, breads, spreads, creams, yogurts, liquid drinks, chocolatecontaining products, candies, ice creams, cereals, coffees, etc.

Also of interest as oral formulations are food supplements. Where theoral formulation is provided as a food supplement, the food supplementmay further include one or more of a sweetener, a stabilizer, aflavoring or a colorant, etc. An oral formulation according to thepresent disclosure may be provided in the form of sugar-coated tabletsor lozenges, pills, gelatin capsules, or syrups. Oral formulations maybe provided as a bulk sample, e.g., a container having multiple doses inpowder form that can be measured out by a subject, or in unit dose form,e.g., a pill, pouch, single use container, and the like.

Tablets may contain the active ingredient in admixture with non-toxicphysiologically acceptable excipients which are suitable for themanufacture of tablets. These excipients may be for example, inertdiluents, such as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, lactose, calciumphosphate or sodium phosphate; granulating and disintegrating agents,for example, corn starch, or alginic acid; binding agents, for examplestarch, gelatin or acacia, and lubricating agents, for example,magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc. The tablets may be uncoated orthey may be coated by known techniques to delay disintegration andabsorption in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustainedaction over a longer period. For example, a time delay material such asglyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate may be employed. They mayalso be coated by the technique described in the U.S. Pat. Nos.4,256,108; 4,166,452; and 4,265,874 to form osmotic therapeutic tabletsfor control release.

Formulations for oral use may also be presented as hard gelatin capsuleswherein the mixed allergen component is mixed with an inert soliddiluent, for example, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or kaolin, oras soft gelatin capsules wherein the mixed allergen component is mixedwith water or an oil medium, for example peanut oil, liquid paraffin, orolive oil.

Aqueous suspensions contain the mixed allergen component in admixturewith excipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions.Such excipients may include suspending agents, for example sodiumcarboxymethyl-cellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxy-propylmethycellulose,sodium alginate, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia;dispersing or wetting agents may be a naturally-occurring phosphatide,for example lecithin, or condensation products of an alkylene oxide withfatty acids, for example polyoxyethylene stearate, or condensationproducts of ethylene oxide with long chain aliphatic alcohols, forexample heptadecaethylene-oxycetanol, or condensation products ofethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and ahexitol such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate, or condensationproducts of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acidsand hexitol anhydrides, for example polyethylene sorbitan monooleate.The aqueous suspensions may also contain one or more preservatives, forexample ethyl, or n-propyl, p-hydroxybenzoate, one or more coloringagents, one or more flavoring agents, and one or more sweetening agents,such as sucrose, saccharin or aspartame.

Oily suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredientin a vegetable oil, for example arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil orcoconut oil, or in mineral oil such as liquid paraffin. The oilysuspensions may contain a thickening agent, for example beeswax, hardparaffin or cetyl alcohol. Sweetening agents such as those set forthabove, and flavoring agents may be added to provide a palatable oralpreparation. These compositions may be preserved by the addition of ananti-oxidant such as ascorbic acid.

Dispersible powders and granules suitable for preparation of an aqueoussuspension by the addition of water provide the active ingredient inadmixture with a dispersing or wetting agent, suspending agent and oneor more preservatives. Suitable dispersing or wetting agents andsuspending agents are exemplified by those already mentioned above.Additional excipients, for example sweetening, flavoring and coloringagents, may also be present.

The physiologically acceptable compositions of the invention may also bein the form of oil-in-water emulsions. The oily phase may be a vegetableoil, for example olive oil or arachis oil, or a mineral oil, for exampleliquid paraffin or mixtures of these. Suitable emulsifying agents may benaturally-occurring phosphatides, for example soy bean, lecithin, andesters or partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitolanhydrides, for example sorbitan monooleate, and condensation productsof the said partial esters with ethylene oxide, for examplepolyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The emulsions may also containsweetening and flavoring agents.

Syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweetening agents, for exampleglycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol or sucrose. Such formulations mayalso contain a demulcent, preservative and flavoring and coloringagents. The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterileinjectable aqueous or oleagenous suspension. This suspension may beformulated according to the known art using those suitable dispersing orwetting agents and suspending agents which have been mentioned above.The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectablesolution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent orsolvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butane diol. Among theacceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water,Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition,sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent orsuspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil may be employedincluding synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids suchas oleic acid find use in the preparation of injectables.

The mixed allergen components can be formulated into preparations forinjection by dissolving, suspending or emulsifying them in an aqueous ornonaqueous solvent, such as vegetable or other similar oils, syntheticaliphatic acid glycerides, esters of higher aliphatic acids or propyleneglycol; and if desired, with conventional additives such assolubilizers, isotonic agents, suspending agents, emulsifying agents,stabilizers and preservatives.

The mixed allergen components can be utilized in aerosol formulation tobe administered via inhalation. The compounds of the present inventioncan be formulated into pressurized acceptable propellants such asdichlorodifluoromethane, propane, nitrogen and the like.

Furthermore, the mixed allergen compositions can be made intosuppositories by mixing with a variety of bases such as emulsifyingbases or water-soluble bases. The compounds of the present invention canbe administered rectally via a suppository. The suppository can includevehicles such as cocoa butter, carbowaxes and polyethylene glycols,which melt at body temperature, yet are solidified at room temperature.

Also of interest are topical compositions, e.g., where the mixedallergen composition is combined with a topical delivery vehiclecomponent. The topical delivery vehicle component of the deliverycompositions of the invention may vary, as desired, where the particularingredients of a given delivery vehicle component will depend, at leastin part, on the nature of the particular composition. Deliverycompositions of interest include liquid formulations, such as lotions(liquids containing insoluble material in the form of a suspension oremulsion, intended for external application, including spray lotions)and aqueous solutions, semi-solid formulations, such as gels (colloidsin which the disperse phase has combined with the dispersion medium toproduce a semisolid material, such as a jelly), creams (soft solids orthick liquids) and ointments (soft, unctuous preparations), and solidformulations, such as topical patches. As such, delivery vehiclecomponents of interest include, but are not limited to: emulsions of theoil-in-water (O/W) and the water in-oil (W/O) type, milk preparations,lotions, creams, ointments, gels, serum, powders, masks, packs, sprays,aerosols or sticks.

The amount of mixed allergen composition that may be combined with thecarrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary dependingupon the host treated and the particular mode of administration. Forexample, a formulation intended for the oral administration of humansmay contain from 0.5 mg to 5 g of mixed allergen composition compoundedwith an appropriate and convenient amount of carrier material which mayvary from about 5 to about 95 percent of the total composition. It willbe understood, however, that the specific dose level for any particularpatient will depend upon a variety of factors including the age, bodyweight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration, route ofadministration, rate of excretion, drug combination and the severity ofthe particular disease undergoing therapy. As such, unit dosage formsfor oral or rectal administration such as syrups, elixirs, andsuspensions may be provided wherein each dosage unit, for example,teaspoonful, tablespoonful, tablet or suppository, contains apredetermined amount of the composition containing one or moreinhibitors. Similarly, unit dosage forms for injection or intravenousadministration may include the inhibitor(s) in a composition as asolution in sterile water, normal saline or another pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier. As described above “unit dosage forms,” includephysically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages for human andanimal subjects, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of mixedallergen composition calculated in an amount sufficient to produce thedesired effect in association with a pharmaceutically acceptablediluent, carrier or vehicle.

Methods

Aspects of the invention also include methods of administering a mixedallergen composition, e.g., as described above, to a subject. Theadministration route employed in a given method may vary, e.g.,depending on the nature of the mixed allergen composition. As reviewedabove, physiologically acceptable compositions that include a mixedallergen composition may be formulated for delivery to a subject using avariety of different administration routes, such as but not limited to:oral, buccal, sublingual, rectal, parenteral, intraperitoneal,intradermal, transdermal, intracheal, etc., administration. As such,aspects of the methods may include orally, buccaly, sublingually,rectally, parenterally, intraperitonealy, intradermally, transdermally,intracheally, etc., administering a mixed allergen composition orphysiologically acceptable composition that includes the same, e.g., asdescribed above, to a subject.

The methods described herein may be employed with a variety of differenttypes of subjects, i.e., animals, where the animals are typically“mammals” or “mammalian,” where these terms are used broadly to describeorganisms which are within the class mammalia, including the orderscarnivore (e.g., dogs and cats), rodentia (e.g., mice, guinea pigs, andrats), lagomorpha (e.g., rabbits) and primates (e.g., humans,chimpanzees, and monkeys). In embodiments of the invention, the subjectsare humans. The subject may be infant, juveniles or adults, where insome instances the subject may be pregnant adults, e.g., as described ingreater detail below. As such, in certain embodiments, the subject is aninfant younger than 1 year of age, whereas in other embodiments thesubject is older, e.g., 1 year old or more, 5 years old or more, etc.,and including adults.

The dosing schedule may vary as desired, and may depend on a number ofdifferent factors, e.g., purpose of the administration, age of thesubject, condition of the subject, nature of the physiologicallyacceptable composition, etc. In certain embodiments, a mixed allergencomposition or physiologically acceptable composition that includes thesame is administered to a subject on an hourly basis, on an every fewhours basis (e.g., every 2, 3, 4, 6 hours), on a daily basis, on aweekly basis, on a bi-weekly basis, on a monthly basis, one a bimonthlybasis, on a quarter annual basis, on a semi-annual basis, on an annualbasis, etc., for a treatment period of time, which treatment period oftime may also vary, where in some instances the treatment period of timeis 1 day or longer, 1 week or longer, 2 weeks or longer, 1 month orlonger, 3 months or longer, 6 months or longer, 1 year or longer, 2years or longer, 3 years or longer, 5 years or longer, 10 years orlonger, etc., up to the life of the subject.

In some embodiments, the methods are methods of increasing immune healthof the subject. As the methods of these embodiments are methods ofincreasing the immune health of a subject, embodiments of such methodsresult in the subject being better able to have a healthy immuneresponse to a given challenge. Immune health or immune balance may becharacterized as a state in the body where there is not an imbalance ofinflammation. For example, when IgE is decreased and/or IgG4 increasedin plasma and/or Th2 decreased (e.g., as described in greater detailbelow in the Experimental section and accompanying figures). Themagnitude of immune health enhancement may vary, where in some instancesthe magnitude is 2-fold or greater, e.g., 5-fold or greater, including10-fold or greater, e.g., as compared to a suitable control.

In some embodiments, the methods are methods of increasing gut health ofthe subject. As the methods of these embodiments are methods ofincreasing the gut health of a subject, embodiments of such methodsresult in the subject having an enhanced maintenance of healthymicrobiota or improving the resilience of microbiota, for instance, byreducing the numbers or colonization of pathogenic bacteria or virusesand by maintaining and improving the intestinal integrity and barrierfunction. Gut health or gut balance may be characterized as a state inthe body where there is not an imbalance of inflammation. For example,when T cell proliferation is decreased (e.g., as described in greaterdetail below in the Experimental section and accompanying figures). Themagnitude of gut health enhancement may vary, where in some instancesthe magnitude is 2-fold or greater, e.g., 5-fold or greater, including10-fold or greater, e.g., as compared to a suitable control.

In some embodiments, the methods are methods of enhancing wellness ormaintaining immune balance of the subject. As the methods of theseembodiments are methods of enhancing wellness of a subject, embodimentsof such methods result in the subject having a quality or state of beinghealthy in body and mind. Wellness may be characterized as a state ofthe body where there is not an imbalance of immune problems (forexample, less IgE, more IgG4, less cell inflammation (e.g., as describedin greater detail below in the Experimental section and accompanyingfigures). The magnitude of wellness enhancement may vary, where in someinstances the magnitude is 2-fold or greater, e.g., 5-fold or greater,including 10-fold or greater, e.g., as compared to a suitable control.

In some embodiments, the methods are methods of at least decreasing thepotential of the subject for developing an immune mediated condition,such as an immune-mediated inflammatory disease condition. By at leastdecreasing the potential of the subject for developing an immunemediated condition is meant that the probability of the subject fordeveloping the immune mediated condition is reduced, such that the riskof the subject for developing the immune mediated condition is reduced.For example, to determine risk reduction, if 100 different individualswere administered the composition, 20% or more of the individuals wouldshow a decrease in their immune markers, e.g., IgE, as compared to thecontrol group. The magnitude of the decrease in potential may vary,where in some instances the magnitude is 2-fold or greater, e.g., 5-foldor greater, including 10-fold or greater, e.g., as compared to asuitable control. In some instances, the methods are methods ofpreventing the subject from developing an immune mediated condition. Assuch, the methods of the invention include administering a compositionof the invention to a subject that is not known to have or does not havean immune mediated condition. While the subject may not have or may notbe known to have the immune mediated condition, the subject may be onethat is suspected to be or known to be at risk of developing the immunemediated condition.

Aspects of the invention further include methods of treating a subjectfor an immune mediated condition. By treating or treatment is meant atleast an amelioration of one or more symptoms associated with thedisease condition, e.g., immune mediated condition, afflicting thesubject, where amelioration is used in a broad sense to refer to atleast a reduction in the magnitude of a parameter, e.g., symptom,associated with the pathological condition being treated, etc. As such,treatment also includes situations where the pathological condition, orat least symptoms associated therewith, are completely inhibited, e.g.,prevented from happening, or stopped, e.g., terminated, such that thesubject no longer suffers from the pathological condition, or at leastthe symptoms that characterize the pathological condition.

Treatment may also manifest in the form of a modulation of a surrogatemarker of the disease condition. For example, where the target conditionis an allergy, e.g., as described below, Th2 cell proliferation may bereduced, e.g., as determined using the assay described in theExperimental Section, below. The magnitude of Th2 cell proliferationreduction may vary, and in certain instances may range from 1.2× to 10×,such as 2× to 4×. Where the target condition is an allergy, e.g., asdescribed below, specific IgG4 levels may be increased, e.g., asdetermined using the assay described in the Experimental Section, below.The magnitude of IgG4 level increase may vary, and in certain instancesmay range from 1.2× to 100×, such as 2× to 6×. Where the targetcondition is an allergy, e.g., as described below, specific IgE levelsmay be reduced, e.g., as determined using the assay described in theExperimental Section, below. The magnitude of IgE level reduction mayvary, and in certain instances may range from 1.1× to 7×, such as 2× to6×.

As summarized above, immune mediated conditions that are the targets ofmethods of the invention include immune-mediated inflammatoryconditions, where such conditions include, but are not limited toconditions characterized by common inflammatory pathways leading toinflammation, and which may result from, or be triggered by, adysregulation of the normal immune response. Examples of immune-mediatedinflammatory conditions include, but are not limited to: allergy,autoimmune diseases, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, psoriaticarthritis, Behcet's disease, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), cardiovascular disease, neuromuscular disease, and infectiousdisease, etc.

In some instances, the target immune mediated condition is an allergy.The target allergy may vary widely, where in some instances the targetallergy is food allergy, drug allergy, environmental allergy, animalallergy, and insect and/or bee allergy. As such, aspects of theinvention include methods of reducing the risk of a subject fordeveloping an allergy. In certain embodiments, the methods result in thesubject having a reduced risk of developing a food allergy to a foodallergen that is not present in the mixed allergen composition that isadministered to the subject. For example, the administered compositionmay provide to the subject allergen protection for a nut protein in theformulation as well as a nut protein not found in the formulation. Incertain embodiments, the reduced risk for a first food allergen isreduced to a greater extent using the mixed formulation than would beachieved using a formulation with only a single allergen. For example,feeding a mixed allergen formulation as described herein can result inlower risk of allergy development for an allergen (e.g., with respect toTh2/IgE/IgG4 analyses, as shown below) than if the formulation onlyincluded that single allergen. In some cases, this phenomenon isreferred to as “synergy” (e.g., cashew synergizes with pistachio, walnutwith pecan, shrimp with lobster (and other crustacean), and vice-versa).Where the method is a method of treating the subject for the allergy, asreviewed above the method may result in at least an amelioration of oneor more symptoms associated with the allergy, e.g., as described abovein the introduction section. Allergy symptoms that may be ameliorated,but are not limited to: eczema, asthma, atopic dermatitis, bronchospasm,cough, rhinorrhea, angioedema, gastric hypermotility, urticaria (hives),pruritis, fatigue, bradycardia, and/or hypotension. The magnitude of thesymptom reduction may vary, where in some instances the magnitude is2-fold or greater, e.g., 5-fold or greater, including 10-fold orgreater, e.g., as compared to a suitable control. In some instances,treatment of an allergy results the subject being cured of the allergy,such that the subject no longer suffers from the allergy. In someembodiments of allergy treatment methods, the methods includeadministering to a subject a mixed allergen composition that includes anut allergen; an animal allergen; and at least one of: a non-nut plantallergen a biotic agent; and a vitamin, such as described above.

In some instances, the methods are methods of treating a subject for aneosinophilic disorder. Eosinophilic disorders are disorderscharacterized by the occurrence of eosinophils in above-normal amountsin various parts of the body. Eosinophilic disorders of interestinclude, but are not limited to: eosinophilic esophagitis (esophagus);eosinophilic gastritis (stomach); eosinophilic enteritis (smallintestine); eosinophilic colitis (large intestine); hypereosinophilicsyndrome (blood and any organ); and the like. In some instances themethods are methods of reducing the risk of a subject for developing aneosinophilic disorder. The magnitude of the risk reduction may vary,where in some instances the magnitude is 2-fold or greater, e.g., 5-foldor greater, including 10-fold or greater, e.g., as compared to asuitable control.

In some instances the methods are methods of treating a subject forinflammation, where the inflammation may be a symptom of a variety ofdifferent disease conditions. Disease conditions in which theinflammation thereof may be treated according to embodiments of theinvention include, but are not limited celiac disease, multiplesclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, eosinophilic diseases, allergy,food allergy, etc.

Aspects of the invention further include methods of at least decreasingthe potential of a fetus or suckling infant for developing an immunemediated condition, such as an immune-mediated inflammatory diseasecondition, e.g., allergy, such as described above. By at leastdecreasing the potential of the fetus or suckling infant for developingan immune mediated condition is meant that the probability of the fetusor suckling infant for developing the immune mediated condition isreduced, such that the risk of the fetus or suckling infant fordeveloping the immune mediated condition is reduced. The magnitude ofthe decrease in potential may vary, where in some instances themagnitude is 2-fold or greater, e.g., 5-fold or greater, including10-fold or greater, e.g., as compared to a suitable control. In someinstances, the methods are methods of preventing the fetus or sucklinginfant from developing an immune mediated condition. As such, themethods of the invention include administering a composition of theinvention to a mother of a fetus or suckling infant that is not known tohave or does not have an immune mediated condition. While the fetus orsuckling infant may not have or may not be known to have the immunemediated condition, the fetus or suckling infant may be one that issuspected to be or known to be at risk of developing the immune mediatedcondition.

In such embodiments, the mixed allergen composition or physiologicallyacceptable composition that includes the same is administered to themother of the fetus or suckling infant. For example, the mixed allergencomposition or physiologically acceptable composition that includes thesame may be administered to a mother pregnant with the fetus. In suchinstances, the mixed allergen composition or physiologically acceptablecomposition that includes the same may be administered to the motherusing any convenient dosing schedule, e.g., as described above, startingat any convenient time during the pregnancy, e.g., at the start of thesecond trimester, at the start of the third trimester, etc. Where themethod is a method of reducing risk in a suckling infant, the mixedallergen composition or physiologically acceptable composition thatincludes the same may be administered to a mother that is breast feedingthe infant. In such instances, the mixed allergen composition orphysiologically acceptable composition that includes the same may beadministered to the breast feeding mother using any convenient dosingschedule, e.g., as described above, starting at any convenient timeduring the breast feeding, e.g., at the start of lactation, 1 week afterlactation commencement, etc.

The following examples are provided by way of illustration and not byway of limitation.

EXPERIMENTAL I. Mixed Allergen Assay

A. Materials and Methods

1. Allergen Treatment

For each allergen or allergen mix listed below (the allergen groups),five subjects from each of five different age groups were fed a total of300 mg of the allergen or allergen mix daily for one year. The onlyexceptions are for Formula (i.e., dose) 1 at 3× and Formula (i.e., dose)1 at 10×, in which the subjects were fed 900 mg and 3,000 mg of theformula on a daily basis, respectively. Allergen mixes were formulatedat a 1:1 ratio. Thus, for an allergen mix with 2 allergens, the mixwould include 150 mg of each. Five subjects were included in each agegroup that were not fed an allergen (Not Treated, or NT group listedlast). The five age groups were: 4 to 6 months, 7 to 12 months, 1 to 3years, 3 to 5 years, and 5 years or older. The subjects were notselected based on observed or suspected food allergy (or other allergy)profile, and thus the cohort of subjects tested included those who mayhave, or have the propensity to develop, a food allergy as well as thosewho do not. The total number of subjects was 450 (5 subjects in 5 agegroups for 18 different treatments, including NT).

Allergen or Allergen Mix

-   -   1. Cashew: Finely ground cashew from “Wellbee's”, Spring Valley,        N.Y. 10977.    -   2. Cashew and pistachio: Finely ground cashew from “Wellbee's”,        Spring Valley, N.Y. 10977. Pistachio flour from “nuts.com”,        Cranford, N.J. 07016.    -   3. Walnut: Roasted walnut from “Holmquist Hazelnut Orchards”,        Lynden Wash. 98264.    -   4. Walnut and pecan: Roasted walnut from “Holmquist Hazelnut        Orchards”, Lynden Wash. 98264. Ground pecan from “King Arthur        Flour”, Norwich, Vt., 05055.    -   5. Formula 1: equal parts walnut, hazelnut, shrimp, salmon,        hen's egg, cow's milk, peanut, cashew, almond, and wheat (30 mg        of protein each)    -   6. Formula 1 at 3×: equal parts walnut, hazelnut, shrimp,        salmon, hen's egg, cow's milk, peanut, cashew, almond, and wheat        (90 mg of each protein)    -   7. Formula 1 at 10×: equal parts walnut, hazelnut, shrimp,        salmon, hen's egg, cow's milk, peanut, cashew, almond, and wheat        (300 mg of each protein)    -   8. Non-treated control (NT)    -   9. White fish: Pacific cod from “Seattle Seafoods”, Bellevue,        Wash. 98008.    -   10. White fish and pink fish: Pacific cod and sockeye salmon        from “Seattle Seafoods”, Bellevue, Wash. 98008.    -   11. Shrimp: White shrimp from “Seattle Seafoods”, Bellevue,        Wash. 98008.    -   12. Shrimp and crab: White shrimp from “Seattle Seafoods”,        Bellevue, Wash. 98008.    -   13. Peanut: Defatted peanuts from “Byrd Mill Company”, Ashland,        Va. 23005.    -   14. Peanut and soy: Defatted peanuts from “Byrd Mill Company”,        Ashland, Va. 23005. Stone ground soy from “Bob's Red Mill”,        Milwaukie, Oreg. 97222.    -   15. Hazelnut: Natural hazelnuts from “Holmquist Hazelnut        Orchards”, Lynden Wash. 98264.    -   16. Almond: Blanched almond flour from “Honeyville” Rancho        Cucamonga, Calif. 91730.    -   17. Milk: Organic non-fat dry milk powder from “Now Foods”        Bloomingdale, Ill. 60108.    -   18. Egg: Powdered egg whites with sodium lauryl sulphate as an        anti-caking agent from “Honeyville Food Products”, Honeyville,        Utah 84314.        2. Stimulation and Enumeration of Th2 Cell Subsets

PBMCs from subjects were labeled with CFSE and cultured with the samefood allergen or food allergen mix that was fed to them at 100 μg/mL(Byrd Mill) or anti-CD3/CD28 (to test for nonspecific proliferationcapacity) for 7 days to identify T cell subsets. At day 7, cells werewashed and stained for surface CD4, CD25, CD127, CD45RO, CD45RA, CD40L,and CD69 and intracellular Foxp3 and IL-10 along with Live/Dead staining(Invitrogen) (see T-cell flow cytometry method below). Th2 cells weredefined as the cells that proliferated in response to food allergen(CFSElo) and were CD41IL-4, IL-13 cells. Antigen-induced T cells werealso identified by isolating CD40L and CD69 double-positive cells afterantigen stimulation.

3. T-Cell Flow Cytometry

Cells were fixed with Lyse/Fix PhosFlow buffer (BD Biosciences). Forintracellular staining, fixed cells were permeabilized with Perm BufferIII (BD Biosciences) at 48° C. for 30 minutes, followed by staining at48° C. for 20 minutes. Flow cytometry was performed with an LSRII flowcytometer (BD Biosciences). Viable cells were identified with aLive/Dead probe (Invitrogen). Phenotypes of T cells were detected withantibodies against surface CD3 (UCHT1), CD4 (SK3), CD25 (4E3), CD127(SB199), CD45RO (UCHL1), CD45RA (HI100), CD62L (DREG-56), CCR4 (1G1),and CCR8 from BD Biosciences; CCR7, CD69, and CD40L and intracellularIL-10 (JES3-19F1), IL-4 (MP4-25D2), and IL-13 (JES10-52A2) from BDBiosciences; Helios (22F6) from BioLegend; anti-CD49b from BioLegend;anti-LAG3 from R&D Systems (Minneapolis, Minn.); and Foxp3 (150D) fromBioLegend and stained per the manufacturer-recommended protocol.

4. Measurement of Antibody Titers

Total and allergen-specific blood IgE and IgG4 levels were measured inall subjects in the Clinical Laboratories at Stanford Hospital andClinics using a standard ImmunoCAP assay (Phadia, Uppsala, Sweden).

B. Results

1. Th2 Cell Proliferation

PBMCs from each subject in allergen groups 1 to 14 were stimulated exvivo with the allergen or allergen mix fed to the subject for 7 days andTh2 cell proliferation was analyzed (as described in the Methods sectionabove). It is noted that for Formula 1 3× and Formula 1 10× groups, thePBMCs were stimulated with 3× and 10× the amount of allergen ex vivo,respectively (i.e., 300 μg/mL and 1000 μg/mL, respectively).

As shown in FIG. 1, subjects in allergen groups 1 to 4 and 9 to 14showed a somewhat reduced Th2 proliferation in response to allergenstimulation as compared to the non-treated control (Group 8;Baseline—NT). However, Th2 cell proliferation in PBMCs from subjects inallergen groups 5 to 7 (fed increasing amounts of Formula 1), who werefed formulations having 10 separate allergens, as described above hadsignificantly reduced Th2 cell proliferation as compared to both thecontrol group (NT) as well as all other antigen groups (1 to 4 and 9 to14). This phenomenon was seen for all subjects in all allergen groupsand at all ages tested.

2. Immunoglobulin Analyses

In addition to the Th2 proliferation assay above, plasma from subjectsin allergen groups 1 to 18 were analyzed for the presence of IgG4 andIgE antibodies (using standard methods, as described above), the formerbeing an indicator of a non-allergenic or non-inflammatory (oranti-allergenic or non-inflammatory) state and the latter an indicatorof pro-allergenic or pro-inflammatory a sate.

As shown in FIG. 2, subjects in allergenic groups 1 to 4 and 9 to 18showed moderately increased levels of IgG4 as compared to the baselinegroup (Group 8; NT). However, allergen groups 5 to 7 (fed increasingamounts of Formula 1) showed significantly increased levels of IgG4 ascompared to both the baseline group as well as all other antigen groups(1 to 4 and 8 to 18). This result is consistent with the results for Th2cell proliferation as described above. Specifically, increased levels ofIgG4 in the plasma and reduced Th2 cell proliferation are indicators ofa reduced or non-allergenic or non-inflammatory state in a subject.

As shown in FIG. 3, subjects in allergenic groups 1 to 4 and 9 to 17showed significantly higher levels of IgE in the plasma as compared toallergen groups 5 to 7 (fed increasing amounts of Formula 1). Indeed,IgE levels in the allergen groups 5 to 7 were below the level ofdetection of the assay. This result is consistent with the results forTh2 cell proliferation and the IgG4 levels as described above.Specifically, low levels of IgE and increased levels of IgG4 in theplasma coupled with reduced Th2 cell proliferation are indicators of areduced or non-allergenic or non-inflammatory state in a subject.

It is clear from the results above that continual feeding a complexmixture of food allergens to subjects (e.g., in the form of Formula 1described above) at a very young age can prophylactically protect asubject from developing an allergenic or inflammatory immune profile toa wide variety of antigens. In other words, this process can induce in asubject a non-allergenic or non-inflammatory (or anti-allergenic oranti-inflammatory) state. Of particular interest in the results shownherein is the indication that feeding antigens in a complex mixtureprovides broad spectrum protection against developingallergies/inflammation that is superior to single or even doubleallergen formulas that that target a single allergen (as in allergengroups 1, 3, 11, 13 and 15 to 18 above) or multiple related allergens(e.g., as in allergen groups 2, 4, 10, 12, and 14 above).

The above shows that feeding subjects complex antigen mixtures will notonly protect against the development of allergies and/or inflammation tothe allergens/antigens in the complex mixture, but also to allergens orantigens that are not present in the complex mixture. In essence,feeding complex food antigen mixtures creates a general anti-allergenicor anti-inflammatory state in a subject that broadly prevents thedevelopment of allergies or inflammatory state, even toallergens/antigens not yet fed to the subject.

II. Mixed Allergen+Probiotics and/or Vitamin Assay

A. Mixed Allergen Compositions

In FIGS. 4-7, compositions of a 1:1 blend were used:

-   -   1 part dietary supplement mixture: 1 part probiotics (300 mg        each to be specific). Probiotic in this instance was        Lactobacillus from Culturelle brand; or    -   1 part dietary supplement mixture: 1 part vitamins (300 mg each        to be specific) Vitamins in this instance were Poly Vi Sol brand        (for children); or    -   1 part dietary supplement mixture: 1 part vitamins: 1 part        probiotics (300 mg each to be specific)

Mixtures at pH 2 were incubated in vinegar for 40 min at roomtemperature before using.

Mixtures that were baked were heated for 40 min at 350° F.

Control received no dietary supplement.

B. Th2 Cell Proliferation

As shown in FIG. 4, PBMCs from each subject in allergen groups 1 to 14were stimulated ex vivo with the allergen or allergen mix or withprobiotics or with vitamins or in certain conditions with differingtemperatures or pH, for 7 days and Th2 cell proliferation was analyzed(as described in the Methods section above).

As shown in FIG. 4, subject samples showed similar Th2 proliferationdecreases with the mixture or under different conditions with themixture (i.e. baked food, skin cream, juice). This phenomenon was seenfor all subjects in all allergen groups and at all ages tested.

C. Immunoglobulin Analyses

In addition to the Th2 proliferation assay above, plasma from subjectsin allergen groups were analyzed for the presence of IgG4 and IgEantibodies (using standard methods, as described above), the formerbeing an indicator of a non-allergenic or non-inflammatory (oranti-allergenic or anti-inflammatory) state and the latter an indicatorof pro-allergenic or pro-inflammatory state.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, subjects showed moderately increased levelsof IgG4 as compared to control group and significantly higher levels ofIgE in the plasma. As shown in FIG. 6, no IgE levels were observed inresponse to the different tested mixed allergen compositions. There weresimilar effects seen with the mixture or under different conditions withthe mixture.

D. T Cell Proliferation

T cell proliferation was performed (please see methods section above)and data presented in FIG. 7. The data show anti-inflammatory propertiesto gluten (i.e., celiac agent), and insulin (i.e., diabetes agent) andbacterial flagellin (inflammatory bowel disease agent). Thisdemonstrates that the mixture could also decrease inflammatory statesinvolved in diseases like celiac, diabetes and inflammatory boweldiseases.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail byway of illustration and example for purposes of clarity ofunderstanding, it is readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes andmodifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit orscope of the appended claims.

Accordingly, the preceding merely illustrates the principles of theinvention. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art will beable to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitlydescribed or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention andare included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples andconditional language recited herein are principally intended to aid thereader in understanding the principles of the invention and the conceptscontributed by the inventors to furthering the art, and are to beconstrued as being without limitation to such specifically recitedexamples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein recitingprinciples, aspects, and embodiments of the invention as well asspecific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural andfunctional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that suchequivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalentsdeveloped in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform thesame function, regardless of structure. The scope of the presentinvention, therefore, is not intended to be limited to the exemplaryembodiments shown and described herein. Rather, the scope and spirit ofpresent invention is embodied by the appended claims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A mixed allergen composition comprising: anut allergen selected from the group consisting of a peanut allergen, analmond allergen, a walnut allergen, a cashew allergen, a hazelnutallergen, a pecan allergen and a pistachio allergen; an animal allergenselected from the group consisting of a shrimp allergen, a cod allergen,and a salmon allergen; and at least one of: a non-nut plant allergen; abiotic agent; and a vitamin, wherein the composition comprises equalparts by weight of the nut allergen, the animal allergen, and thenon-nut plant allergen, if present.
 2. The mixed allergen composition ofclaim 1, wherein the composition comprises the non-nut plant allergen.3. The mixed allergen composition of claim 1, wherein the compositioncomprises the biotic agent.
 4. The mixed allergen composition of claim3, wherein the biotic agent comprises a probiotic.
 5. The mixed allergencomposition of claim 3, wherein the biotic agent comprises a prebiotic.6. The mixed allergen composition of claim 1, wherein the compositioncomprises the vitamin.
 7. The mixed allergen composition of claim 1,wherein the composition comprises the non-nut plant allergen, and thevitamin.
 8. The mixed allergen composition of claim 1, wherein theamount of each allergen present in the composition ranges from 15 to99.9 wt. %.
 9. The mixed allergen composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition further comprises a physiologically acceptable deliveryvehicle.
 10. The mixed allergen composition of claim 9, wherein thephysiologically acceptable delivery vehicle is an ingestible deliveryvehicle.
 11. The mixed allergen composition of claim 9, wherein thephysiologically acceptable delivery vehicle is a topical deliveryvehicle.
 12. The mixed allergen composition of claim 9, wherein thephysiologically acceptable delivery vehicle is an injectable deliveryvehicle.
 13. A method of treating an allergy in a human subject in needthereof, the method comprising administering the mixed allergencomposition of claim 1 to the subject.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the subject is a juvenile.
 15. The method of claim 13, whereinthe subject is an adult.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the subjectis pregnant with a fetus or suckling an infant.
 17. The mixed allergencomposition of claim 1, wherein the non-nut plant allergen is selectedfrom the group consisting of a wheat allergen, a sesame allergen, and anoat allergen.
 18. The mixed allergen composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition further comprises an animal allergen selected from the groupconsisting of a chicken egg allergen, a cow milk allergen, and a craballergen.
 19. The mixed allergen composition of claim 1, wherein themixed allergen composition further comprises a soy allergen.
 20. Themixed allergen composition of claim 1, wherein the vitamin is selectedfrom the group consisting of vitamin D and vitamin C.
 21. The mixedallergen composition of claim 20, wherein the vitamin is vitamin D. 22.The method of claim 13, wherein the allergy is a food allergy.
 23. Themethod of claim 22, wherein the allergy is a single food allergy. 24.The method of claim 22, wherein the allergy is a multiple food allergy.